Tough Girl Podcast

Alexandra Allred made sports (and medical) history through activism and determination. When she learned that women were not allowed in bobsled, she lobbied for equal status with a relentless letter-writing campaign. It had not yet occurred to her that she had no idea how to actually bobsled. As a former fighter in martial arts, she had only cared that women were banned from a sport deemed "too dangerous" and "too fast." When told that the women's program had no by-laws and was therefore unofficial, Allred co-authored the first U.S. women's bylaws and helped secure a sponsor. She ultimately won the U.S. Nationals in September 1994, making sports history as she was named to the first-ever U.S. women's bobsled team. When the United States Olympic Committee named her Athlete of the Year for her sport, it made international news that Allred was also pregnant. At the time, there was very little data on elite pregnant athletes who did powerlifting and plyometrics. While Allred became the "poster child" of the Case Western OB/GYN international study, Allred was squatting 375 lbs. and clocked at 20 MPH sprints into her second trimester. The results of this study changed how to measure the safety of baby in utero for competitive athletes. Both the United States and International Olympic Committee used Allred's training data as a safety guide for pregnant athletes and she served as a fitness/nutrition expert for two decades. Today, Allred is an adjunct professor at Tarleton State University and continues to write/research and work with those living with special needs. Her most recent book: When Women Stood - The Untold History of Females Who Changed Sports and the World. Was published in February 2023. About the book: When Women Stood - The Untold History of Females Who Changed Sports and the World. An unapologetically candid and illuminating history of women and their fight for equality, told through the influential world of sports. From early Amazons to modern-day athletes, women have been fighting for their rightful place in the world. The history of these female athletes—whether warriors on the battlefield or competitors in the sports arena—has often been neglected, yet it is through sports that women have changed society, gaining entry into education, travel, politics, and more. When Women Stood is an eye-opening chronicle of the amazing women who refused to accept the status quo and fought for something better for themselves and for those who would follow. Featuring exclusive insight from athletes such as Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Kathrine Switzer, Nancy Lieberman, Briana Scurry, and Nancy Hogshead-Maker, this book includes the stories of female football players, Olympic athletes, powerlifters, and soccer stars, of historians, archeologists, crusaders, and scientists. Women's sports history cannot be told without also telling the story of the fight for gender and racial equality, economics, medical biases, gay and transgender history, violence, religion, media, abuse, and activism. When Women Stood is the first to go beyond the record books and gold medal counts to truly dig into the vital role women and sports have played in instigating change in society as a whole. And it shows that, despite seemingly unsurmountable odds, the true spirit of the female athlete can never be restrained. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you. Show notes Call her Alex Growing up and loving the non-traditional female sports Having lived in 20 places by the time she was 18 Being born in Germany and spending her childhood moving from place to place Living in Russia and being followed by the KGB Getting into Martial Arts at 18 and being a professional fighter Seeing bobsled for the first time on TV and not seeing any women competing Asking the question - why are there no women competing? 1940 US Champion - Katherine Dewey - Bobsleigh pilot won the open bobsled competition Starting a campaign to change the rules to allow women to compete Winning the US Nationals in 1994 while being 4 month pregnant British Boxer - Jane Couch making a difference for women in boxing Getting push back for being a pregnant athlete Why she didn't drop out Being part of a medical study on pregnancy and athletics Mentors in sports Misogyny at the highest levels in sport Figuring out fundraising and sponsorship for the bobsled team Keeping motivated after setback after setback. The power of women The label of tomboy Writing the book New Book: When Women Stood - The Untold History of Females Who Changed Sports and the World. Planning a 2nd book Thoughts on World Athletics banning transgender women from competition. Lack of research for the cis-gender female body Why women aren't studied Focusing on female hormones Mary Cain Dr. Stacey Sims Creating a space for transgender athletes The importance of education around transgender men and women Menstrual cycle and how it ties to performance Heavy topics Media coverage for women and how's it changed over the past 30 years How the worlds sees women Why it's less about what she looks like and more about what she can do The power of strong, outspoken women Being you How to connect with Alex Advice for women who want to help drive change Practical steps to support and encourage other women Support your sisters and stand up for ourselves Social Media Website: www.alexandraallred.com Book: When Women Stood - The Untold History of Females Who Changed Sports and the World.

Rogeema shares her story of pushing her own limits and proving to people, especially other women, that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. Rogeema talks about her early years and not being sporty, never being picked for sports teams, and not knowing what to do at the gym. She shares her journey of starting as a runner and moving into triathlon, including learning how to swim at 35 years old and signing up for her first 5k race. Rogeema discusses the challenges of going from a half marathon to an ultra marathon, hitting "the wall" while running, and why you need time to recover when running the longer distances. Rogeema also talks about the mental preparation needed before race day, the importance of putting in the training, and working with a sports psychologist to reprogram her mind for success. Rogeema also discusses her mental health struggles after becoming an Ironman and the importance of having a tribe and community. Throughout the episode, Rogeema emphasizes the power of visibility and inspiring more Muslim women to enter the world of triathlon and running while wearing a hijab. She wants to show young girls that anything is possible and encourages listeners to not change themselves, but instead to change the game. To connect with Rogeema, listeners can visit her website at www.rogeemakenny.com and follow her on Instagram @rogeemakenny. Don't miss out on new episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast released every Tuesday at 7am UK time, and consider supporting the podcast on Patreon to increase the representation of female role models in the media. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you Show notes Who is Rogeema Growing up in Cape Town, South Africa Starting as a runner and moving into triathlon Woking as a freelance management consultant and project manager Her early years Not being sporty and never being picked for the sports teams Learning how to swim at 35 years old Doing her first sprint triathlon Being into health and fitness Her running journey Getting her black belt in karate Signing up for her first 5k race Building up the distance over time Not feeling like a real runner Not knowing what to do at the gym and feeling lost Having an accountability buddy Starting to run half marathons, marathons and ultra marathons Her love for running How running helped with her mental health Feeling a sense of achievement after doing something difficult Why endurance sports change you as a person Why you should do hard things Making progress in running and increasing the distances Following a training plan for the ultra distances The challenge of going from a half marathon to a half marathon Hitting "the wall" while running Why you need time to recover when running the longer distances Why you need to train hard and do the tough sessions Building up your resilience muscle Doing her last Ironman in tough conditions The challenges of race day and overcoming them and feeling even stronger at the finish Mental preparation before the race The Power Pose - Amy Cuddy - Ted Talk Why you need to put in the training Getting 'switched on', on race day Not being a naturally athlete and having to work for every little gain Working with a sports psychologist and re programming her mind for success The power of professional help and why it's invaluable Book: The Brave Athlete: Calm the F*ck Down and Rise to the Occasion by Simon Marshall Phd, & Lesley Paterson Learning to control your emotions Blog: The Dark Side of becoming an Ironman - Mental Health Struggles Dealing with her mental state changing after the race Trying to understand what was happening Needing a tribe and a community Happy hormones and exercise Rest and recovery after an Ironman Doing social races and social training The women who inspired her to start triathlon Lucy Charles-Barclay - World Triathlon long distance champion @lucycharles93 Chrissie Wellington TGP episode Khadijah Diggs @khadijahtriathlete Inspiring more muslin women to enter the world of triathlon and running while wearing a hijab The power of visibility and seeing other women out there competing How to connect with Rogeema Final words of advice Wanting to show young girls that anything is possible Social Media Website: www.rogeemakenny.com Instagram: @rogeema

Cory Maria Dack is an Indigenous Latina who recently finished thru-paddling the entire Mississippi River - all 2,552 miles/4,108 km - source to sea, an incredible adventure that took over 134 days. Born in Ecuador and raised in the U.S. (in Duluth, Minnesota near the Canadian border), Cory has been an adventure guide and outdoor leader for nearly 20 years. She decided to thru-paddle the most famous waterway in the U.S. in part to increase representation of women of color, fat bodied people, immigrants, queer folks, and other demographics often left out of the narrative on the water and in the outdoor recreation world. Cory's main mission and message on her Mississippi River Trip was to "Decolonize Thru-Paddling," a play on words that highlighted how she and her paddle partners: 1. Decolonized the concept of a "thru-paddle" (paddling all the way through a waterway, source to sea) 2. Uplifed messages of decolonization "thru" the act of paddling. What does it mean to "decolonize" something? Decolonization is the important practice of unpacking ways of life that support and are informed by systemic racism, colonization, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, fat phobia, misogyny, xenophobia, and any other form of systemic violence. Cory and her friends "Decolonized Thru Paddling" by: * Bridging equity gaps through representation of Women, People of Color, fat bodied people, members of the LGBQT+ community, immigrants, economically disadvantaged people, and other demographics that are underrepresented on the water and in the outdoors * Honoring Native American/Indigenous Land by being in community and ceremony with Native communities, elders, and water protectors across the country * Being grounded in community-driven values: they prioritized meeting people who live on the River and delighted in making new friends and connections along the way Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast every Tuesday at 7am UK time. Don't miss out, hit the subscribe button to stay up-to-date! You can also help us increase the representation of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges by supporting our mission. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to learn more. Thank you for your support! Show notes Who is Cory Born in Ecuador, but being raised in Minnesota Currently being on a national tour called - Canoe Mobile Being adopted at 3 months old Her early years and not being outdoorsy Getting into the outdoors in her early 20s Working at a summer camp and learning new skills Gaining new qualifications while at camp Becoming a canoe guide Feeling like an imposter Having empowering mentors who have supported and encouraged her Knowing that she belongs and that she deserves to be there Ignoring the other systems (gender, wealth, race, age) that were telling her she didn't belong Decolonization and why we do the things we do Who is worthy to spend time in the outdoors Coming up with the idea to thru-paddle the Mississippi River Spending 100 days on the Mississippi River and wanting to do another long river trip Working for 3 seasons and using grassroots funding to pay for the journey Recognising her privilige Wanting to empower others to go on adventures Wanting to take her time on the journey and meet communities along the way Fears and concerns before the journey Dealing with the cold weather and winter while on the river Starting the journey at the end of August Mental health struggles while on the river Reaching out to community and asking for help River Angels Magical moments 134 days on the river Having Emily Ford come and join her for 200 miles on the river Daily life while on the river and finding peace and a new rhythm to living Not feeling safe going solo Paddling with Sarah for the final 1000 miles Land Acknowledgements Paddling through the twin cities Connecting with many local community groups Black Lives Matter Native Lives Matter Minnesota Immigrants Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) Bdóte ('meeting of waters' or 'where two rivers meet') considered to be a place of spiritual importance to the Dakota People. Brining communities together in a moment of celebration The truth behind Fort Snelling and the land it stands on A time for medicine and a time for healing Making an offering to the water/river Reflecting back on the journey - success and lessons learned How do you define success on a journey Adjusting back to normal life Rolling straight into the canoe mobile tour Celebrating the end of the journey Working with a therapist and being able to speak to them while on the river How to connect with Cory Final words of advice Wanting everyone to know that they belong in nature, outside, outdoors and it's safe for them to be there. The power of starting small Social Media Women on the Water Website: www.women-on-the-water22.com Instagram: @corymaria13

Nicki Bass is a Business Psychologist, Army Veteran and host of The Everyday Adventure Podcast. Having always loved the thrill of adventure sports and having served around the world, she has first-hand experience of how being taken outside of your comfort zone can dramatically improve your ability to face life's challenges. Currently studying for a Doctorate in Occupational Psychology, this experience gives her a unique insight into how resilience theory and practice align. On leaving the Army in 2017 she set up her own consultancy, Resilience at Work, using the principles of adventurous training to help professionals to build their resilience and leadership skills. Knowing the challenges that many people (including herself!) face in trying to live adventurously amongst the many commitments in their lives, Nicki was motivated to launch The Everyday Adventure Podcast in May 2020. The aim was to share the stories of ordinary people who had managed to find time for their own adventures - both physical and psychological - and hopefully inspire others to do the same. Since then she has spoken to over 65 guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, exploring their motivations, challenges & the benefits they have experienced. Having given a TEDx talk on the subject in January 2022, She is passionate about everyday adventures and the power they have to bring joy, confidence and energy to our daily lives. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you. Show notes Who is Nicki Spending 17 years in the Army Re-training as a Business Psychologist Her love for adventure sports - especially surfing and skiing Setting up Resilience at Work Her early years growing up Being active but not sporty Doing a ski season Joining the Army before the age of 25 Being taken outside your comfort zone and how that has developed resilience What is resilience? Why resilience is different from grit Making the transition out of the army Wanting to work for herself Starting out with a plan and how it evolves Balancing a new business, family life and adventure sports Adjusting her expectations Adventuring with children and teaching them resilience Why everything can be an adventure for kids Putting yourself first Dealing with the guilt of putting yourself first Figuring out her time 1 month of everyday adventures in 2021 Having something to look forward to Starting the Everyday Adventure Podcast Working with Fran Turauskis (Editor) How to connect with Nicki Ted Talk - Final words of advice Why your adventure is valid - no matter the size Finding a way to start Social Media Website: www.resiliencework.co.uk Instagram: @resilienceatwork Facebook: @resiliencework Podcast: The Everyday Adventure Podcast TEDx Moseley: The Life Changing Power of Everyday Adventures

Amanda is an Australian park Ranger whose career has taken her from the turquoise blue coast of South Australia to the broad red deserts of Central Australia and now the subtropical rainforests of the East Coast. She loves having the best job in the world in which she gets the opportunity to fight fires, monitor threatened species, use chainsaws and heavy machinery (aka fun toys), audit and hike long distance trails, occasionally fly across the landscape in a helicopter, and (the greatest privilege of all) work with Traditional Owners looking after Country. Well, that and clean toilets of course, can't leave that out. Inspired by the many Rangers she has worked with in her career, and with no film making or expedition experience, Amanda set off on a new mission on World Ranger Day (July 31) last year called Walking the Thin Green Line Oceania. Over 366 days, through 8 nations and across 3 oceans, Amanda will travel over 80,000km meeting Rangers and recording their stories in a documentary. She will also hike more than 1500km to honour the more than 1500 Rangers killed in the line of duty since official records began in 2009. Amanda will be raising vital funds for the Thin Green Line Foundation's Oceania Fund to support Ranger led projects around the Oceania region. Amanda will complete her epic self-funded journey on World Ranger Day this year on the southernmost point of mainland Australia at Wilson's promontory National Park after more than 35,000km of driving, close to 200 Ranger interviews, more than 25 terabytes of footage, dozens of walking trails and peaks, over 30 flights, more than a dozen boats and ferries, 8 sim cards, 2 Garmin inReach's and more illnesses than you can count on one hand. *** Don't miss out on new episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast that are released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Hit the subscribe button to stay updated. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can help increase the representation of female role models in the media especially in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to contribute. Thank you for your support! *** Show notes Who is Amanda Working as a Park Ranger on the East Coast of Australia Being a passionate conservationist Not being scared of doing her own things Her passion for the environment and getting people excited about it Wanting to encourage women and young girls to pursue their dreams Her early years and growing up wanting to be a geologist Being sports and enjoying spending time outside Her journey to becoming a Park Ranger Starting work as a fine dining chef Learning about the slow food movement in Italy Being involved in the 'Youth Food Movement' 2008 Wanting to do more to contribute to the world Going to The University of Queensland, Brisbane to study Natural Resource Management Doing a course called - Protected Area Management Being inspired by Rangers and the work they were doing South Australian Graduate Ranger Program What do Park Rangers do - in Western Australia Walking the thin Green Line Preparation and planning for the Expedition The Thin Green Line Foundation, Australia How the idea came about Hiking 1,600km by the end of her journey to reflect on the 1,600 rangers who have lost their lives while serving The goals for the expedition and what she wants to achieve Spending 366 days on the road Starting on World Ranger Day - 31st July 2022 and finishing on World Ranger Day 31st July 2023 World Ranger Conference 2024, France The Route Map Planning, logistics and financing the expedition Connecting with people and getting tips and advice from film makers Starting with a map, crunching the numbers and figuring out what the weather was doing The challenges and obstacles with planning along the way Only being able to plan a few weeks in advance and dealing with the stress that brings Self funding the challenge and receiving financial support from her sister and other family members Losing sponsorship due to floods in Eastern Australia and needing to make alternative arrangements Feeling comfortable taking calculated risks Being all in and knowing the financial risks Meeting incredible people on the journey Speaking to Rangers and filming them for the documentary Visiting Papua New Guinea, Indonesia The connection between rangers What's going to happen over the next 6 months Having a 3 year plan Making a documentary about the journey and wanting to share the stories Going back to work full time work in August 2023 The lessons learned from the trip Becoming the first 'Ranger Ambassador' for the Thin Green Line Foundation The unique challenges faced by female rangers The importance of having women involved in conservation How to connect with Amanda Final words of advice Why you should consider working in conservation especially in Protected Area Management Social Media Website: www.walkingthethingreenline.com Instagram: @walkingthethingreenline Facebook: @walkingthethingreenline The Thin Green Line - "A global not-for-profit organisation that provides support to rangers, because rangers are the frontline professionals protecting wildlife and the natural world. We do this by providing effective training, vital equipment, and emergency support to rangers and their families, and developing strong global networks for rangers and their communities." Website: thingreenline.org.au

Anna is an Outdoor Instructor working for Land and Wave in Dorset. She loves being on the water, or in the woods, every day sharing her love of adventure with everyone she instructs. Anna has always loved being outdoors and wanted to find a job that would allow her to enjoy that all year round. From school, she followed a conventional path to university, and became a Civil Engineer working in construction. Recently she decided to take the leap and turn her passion into a job. It was quite a drastic shift from Engineer in London, to Outdoor Instructor in Dorset, but one she is loving. She was able to change career so quickly following an intensive Outdoor Instructor Training Course in the winter, where she gained qualifications needed for the job, and is now gaining experience every day. *** Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences. Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure! *** Show notes Anna working as a newly qualified Outdoor Instructor Working for Land & Wave Living in an 8 person tent on site at Land & Wave (excuse the noise from the wind!) Growing up near Birmingham Being a member of Scouts Doing Duke of Edinburgh Award Joining the University Royal Naval Units (URNU) Taking a gap year after university and going travelling around South East Asia for 4 months Moving to London to work in construction Thinking about making a career change and wanting to work outdoors Not knowing what she wanted to do Making the decision to change careers and what that looked like Googling - Outdoor Instructor Training (OIT) Courses Picking Land & Wave The challenges of the course and the realities of spending 15 weeks training in winter Dealing with the cold weather Enjoying spending time on the water and learning new skills (Canoeing, SUP & Kayaking) Loving the variety of the work What happened after the 15 week course Challenges of working in the outdoor industry Sharing her love of the outdoors with clients What it's like being a woman in the industry Learning new skills and why it take time to build experience Outdoor Instructor Apprenticeships Having a long term career plan? Thinking through different options Why age doesn't matter Working towards her own personal goals training to become a Paddlesports Leader Working towards her Mountain Leader (ML) Qualification Doing her ML training with Louise Tully The struggle with getting Quality Mountain Days (QMD) in while living in Dorset Connecting with other women in the outdoors who are also doing their qualifications Magical moments Helping people to build self confidence Why the first step is always the hardest Remembering what it is you love about your job and why it's important to enjoy the journey and appreciate each stage your at. Social Media Website: www.landandwave.co.uk Instagram: @landandwave Facebook: @landandwave Youtube: www.youtube.com/@landwave9920

Sian Sykes was born on the edge of Snowdonia and enjoyed growing up in beautiful North Wales. During her adult life, she used to work in Creative Media in London as a Project Director. However after working 15 years and working 18 hour days in the industry, she wanted a better balance in life, to reconnect with nature and to be closer to the sea and mountains. That's when she re changed her focus in life and moved back home, to do what she loves doing. Now she guides people stand up paddle boarding in beautiful places. Since working in the city, Sian has travelled the world, building up vast experience of leading expeditions to Nepal, Mongolia, India, China, Peru, Morocco and the Alps. Sian loves a SUP challenge! Sian has completed a number of record breaking SUP challenges. She was part of the first team to cross England on a paddle board, she was then the first person to ever SUP solo the 3 British lakes, Llyn Tegid, Windermere Lake and Loch Awe in 3 days, all unsupported. Sian was also the first person to circumnavigate Anglesey on a SUP which took her 5 days to complete the 120km journey in very challenging sea state conditions. Sian is a real activist, Sian's recent achievement was a big expedition with a real purpose by highlighting the epidemic we face with disposable single use plastics. She was the first person to SUP circumnavigate Wales (solo and unsupported), a 1000km journey along canals, rivers and sea. She raised money for charity, collecting plastic along the way, inspiring others to make a pledge against plastics and educational talks. Sian enjoys linking her love for the water and mountains through SUP. Her love for the outdoors is infectious, and she's inspired people of all ages and from all walks of life to get out and SUP. *** Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences. Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure! *** Show notes Who is Sian Growing up and being introduced to the great outdoors by her mother at 3 weeks old Her love for the outdoors Her teenage years Going to university and how she changed Chasing wealth and status Working in Advertising in Manchester and London Making a career change after 15 years Living for work Feeling detached from who she actually was Not feeling fulfilled anymore Wanting to make a U turn Getting qualification in the outdoors 6 months working in London and 6 months working in the outdoors Separating from her ex-husband Discovering paddleboarding by chance and loving it Crossing England from Bristol to Reading on a paddle board Gaining experiences and choosing the qualifications The community in Llanberis, Wales Building up contacts and connections Volunteering in outdoor centres and taking groups on Duke of Edinburgh Award Needing to prove herself Going after her International Mountain Leader Award which took 3 years to achieve Talking about the financial concerns of making a career change Making the transition into the outdoor industry Stand Up Paddleboarding Adventures and Expeditions SUP around Anglesey Plastic Pollution in coastal areas Being warned about adventure blues Starting up her own business and becoming freelance Finding your passion Surfers Against Sewage - We are Ocean Activists. We are the voice of the ocean. Campaigning for a thriving ocean, thriving people. Anglesey becoming the first county to become plastic free Water Skills Academy (WSA) WSA - SUP Expedition Guide Advice for women who want to get more qualifications in the outdoor industry How to connect with Sian Final words of advice for other women who want a career in the outdoors Social Media Website: www.siansykes.com Instagram: @sian_sykes Youtube: www.youtube.com/@psychedpaddleboarding

In today's fast-paced world, many of us dream of breaking free from the shackles of the corporate world and embracing a life filled with adventure, purpose, and personal fulfilment. Meet Tatty Pettigrew, a courageous woman who made that dream a reality. With an unwavering spirit and a thirst for spending time outdoors, Tatty escaped the confines of her corporate career in London and embarked on a remarkable journey that combines people, education, adventure, and the great outdoors. Growing up, Tatty was sporty but never considered herself particularly outdoorsy. It was during her teenage years that she discovered the transformative power of outdoor adventures while participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE). This experience ignited a spark within her, and she became an advocate for the program, recognising its ability to shape young minds and in-still a love for the outdoors. Her journey into the outdoor world began with thorough research and introspection. Tatty wanted to ensure she was making the right decision, and her meticulous nature led her to spend two years weighing her options and considering the potential risks and rewards. Supported and encouraged by her family, she finally found her path. Committing to the Outdoor Instructor Training Course offered by Land & Wave. This intensive 15-week residential program immersed her in the world of outdoor instruction. From coasteering to climbing, she pushed herself outside her comfort zone, developing not only her skills but also her self-confidence. Building a career in the outdoors wasn't without its challenges, but Tatty persevered. Starting as a seasonal instructor, she gained valuable experience in various locations, including New Zealand, where she volunteered for a children's charity. Over time, she transitioned into freelance work, relishing the flexibility it provided. Through dedication and hard work, she built a strong portfolio of clients and established herself in the industry. Tatty Pettigrew's story serves as a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to break free from the ordinary and pursue a life filled with passion and purpose. Her unwavering spirit, determination, and love for the great outdoors exemplify the essence of the Tough Girl Podcast. Join us in celebrating Tatty's remarkable journey and be inspired to create your own path of exploration, challenge, and transformation. *** Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences. Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure! *** Show notes Who is Tatty Living in Dartmouth, Devon for the past 3 years Working as an outdoor instructor Growing up, being sporty but not outdoorsy Doing Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) in her teenage years and why she's a massive advocate for it now Deciding to give up her corporate career in London and retrain as an outdoor instructor Experiencing the outdoors during a team building day at work Finding out about Outdoor Instructor Training Course Attending an Open Day with Land & Wave The questions and concerns before making the decision The fear of making a mistake and doing the wrong thing Researching and thinking for about 2 years before making the final decision. Doing the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Exploring all of her options for getting into the outdoors Her process for making decisions Trying to figure out what the right option is Being an over thinker and suffering from 'analysis paralysis' Being supported and encouraged by her family How the pandemic impacted on her decision making What the Outdoor Instructor Training Course looked like 15 weeks, full time residential (including food & accommodation), kit package, and training Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm Building up experience during the summer months Enjoying all the waterspouts especially coasteering The challenges of climbing and being pushed outside her comfort zone The challenges of training over the cold winter months (Oct - Feb) and being lucky with the weather Working as a volunteer for a children's charity in New Zealand (food and accommodation covered) Not being able to move to New Zealand due to lockdown. Building up a career in the outdoors and what that looks like Starting off as a seasonal instructor and doing seasonal work in New Zealand Branching out into the freelance work and being able to get plenty of work Enjoying the flexibility of freelance work Building up her portfolio of clients over the past few years Working hard during the season April - October Using the winter time to work on gaining new skills and focusing on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) What it's like being a woman in the outdoors Being surrounded by good female role models in the industry The women who've inspired Tatty on her journey Anna McNuff Sue Barrett - Adventure Queen Mother follow on IG @adventurequeenmother Getting the balance right between work and personal time Working towards her Mountain Leader Qualification Sea Kayaking Leader Qualification Forest School Leader Volunteering with the Lifeboat Crew for The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Discussing, the potential for injury, the wear and tear on your body as you get older, and the potential impact of motherhood on your outdoor career Moving from the steady pay check from the corporate world to being freelance and being self employed Financial stress? Especially during the winter months when there isn't as much work. Keeping track of finances, being planned and organised. Doing the last two legs of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Spending 3 months sailing from Seattle to London Making friends for life and why the people made the challenge How to connect with Tatti on Instagram The 3 words which resonate - Explore. Challenge. Transform. Social Media Instagram: @tatti.pettigrew

Patricia Boardman, a former textile designer, has transformed her love for the outdoors into a thriving career as a freelance outdoor instructor. With a strong belief that anyone can pursue their passion for the outdoors, Tricia's journey showcases the power of perseverance and a deep connection with nature. From teaching young adults the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award to leading groups on mountain expeditions across the UK, Tricia's days are filled with diversity and adventure. For the past 15 years, Tricia has dedicated herself to working as an outdoor instructor. A few years ago, she made the courageous decision to transition into full-time freelancing, allowing her to fully immerse herself in her passion. Her genuine love for the outdoors and her desire to push herself out of her comfort zone have been the driving forces behind her success. Growing up in South Manchester, Tricia developed a love for hiking and camping in her late teens. She found like-minded individuals who shared her passion for walking, forging lifelong friendships along the way. Inspired to progress further in the outdoor industry, Tricia pursued her Mountain Leader (ML) Qualification, a milestone she achieved despite not having the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award during her school years. In a male-dominated environment, Tricia persevered, accumulating quality mountain days and fitting in training around her work commitments. She honed her skills in navigation and micro-navigation, pushing herself to be the best she could be. Gradually, she began picking up weekend work and building her reputation through word-of-mouth recommendations, steadily establishing a network of connections in the industry. Tricia reflects on the early years of her career, recognising the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry. However, her unwavering determination and passion for working with people propelled her forward. Over time, she had the opportunity to lead expeditions with children in destinations such as India, Peru, and even climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Witnessing young adults progress and grow, particularly during her time in Peru, solidified her love for her work. The pandemic brought about changes in Tricia's life, including being made redundant. However, armed with some savings, she took the leap into full-time outdoor work, embracing the freedom and fulfilment it brought. She shares practical advice for women seeking to gain experience in the outdoors, emphasising the power of asking and being truthful about one's abilities. As a sole trader using her own name, Tricia finds joy in the variety of her work and the balance between her personal love of the outdoors and her professional pursuits. She plans to expand her qualifications, particularly in water-based activities and cave leading. Despite the occasional challenges, Tricia remains motivated, continuously striving to improve her climbing skills and push her boundaries. Tricia is passionate about promoting diversity in the outdoors and is particularly motivated to inspire girls, especially in faith schools, to embrace nature and adventure. Being of mixed heritage—half Indian and half Scottish—she takes pride in being a role model for the girls she teaches and strives to make the outdoors accessible to all. With her infectious enthusiasm, Tricia shares magical moments she has experienced in nature and her unwavering dedication to helping people reach their full potential. Her final words of advice serve as an inspiration for women who aspire to work in the outdoors, along with valuable guidance on obtaining qualifications and pursuing their dreams. *** This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast was sponsored by Land & Wave! We hope you've been inspired by Patricia Boardman's incredible journey and her passion for the outdoors. Remember, with perseverance and a love for nature, anyone can turn their dreams into reality. Stay tuned for more empowering stories and don't forget to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on new episodes, released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time. Thank you for joining us on this adventure! *** Show notes Tricia Boardman Woking as an outdoor instructor for the past 15 years Deciding to go full time as a freelancer a few years ago Her love for the outdoors Making friends with people at 17/18 years old with people who loved walking Liking to push herself out of her comfort zone Going on day hikes and camping Growing up in South Manchester Studying textiles at college and working in a bar part time Deciding to take on her Mountain Leader (ML) Qualification Not getting the chance to do the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award as it wasn't available at her school Meeting people who already had their ML qualification and being encouraged to do it. Wanting to progress further in the outdoors Learning in a male dominated environment Getting her quality mountain days in and fitting in the training around work Doing solo days and spending time walking in the outdoors Focusing on navigation and micro navigation Starting to pick up a few pieces of work here and there at the weekends What it was like being a woman in the industry when she first started working in it 20 years ago Thinking about working full time in the outdoors Getting the opportunity to lead a few expeditions with children abroad, to India, Peru, and taking on Kilimanjaro Helping young adults progress and grow Loving her time spend in Peru Making changes to her life after the pandemic Being made redundant and having some money behind her while making the transition to working outdoors full-time. Her love for working with people Getting work when she first started out Building up a network and connections, and being recommended via word of mouth Gaining experience in the industry via work shadowing and volunteering with waking groups Practicalities of getting work experience and how to go about it Advice and tips for women who want to gain more experience in the outdoors The power of asking people Why it's important to be truthful about what you can and can't do What a typical week looks like during busy season Loving the variety of the work Working as a sole trader and using her own name The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) Thinking about getting further qualifications - especially water based qualifications Cave Leader Qualification Tips for dealing with the bad days Balancing work with her personal love of the outdoors Working slowly towards climbing all of the Wainwrights Wanting to go up a grade in climbing Climbing with friends who climb harder than her, in order to push herself to get better and make progress Buying a van in September 2022 (Transit - long wheel base) and doing the renovation with her partner (Nick). Take the van on a climbing trip to the South of France and following the sunshine before heading back to the UK Living in the van (instead of camping) to help keep costs down while working Pay for a day's DofE work (£130 - £150) Making a living from working in the outdoors and taking on other additional jobs throughout the winter months. Being booked up with work throughout the summer months Diversity in the outdoors and her thoughts of working in the industry Working in Faith Schools and helping to inspire girls to get outdoors and spend time in nature Being half Indian and half Scottish and feeling proud that she can be a role model to the girls she is teaching Wanting to make the outdoors accessible Being encouraged by her mum "don't let anyone stop you, just do what you want to do" Discrimination in the outdoors? And how things have changed over the years Magical moments in the outdoors and why she loves spending time in nature Her passion for helping people to reach their potential Final words of advice for other women who want to work in the outdoors Advice for getting your qualifications Social Media None

Tori is one half of West Country Adventures. She is a qualified teacher, and kayak coach turned climbing coach, aiming to inspire and support women in their ambition to become independent rock climbers. During our conversation, Tori candidly shares the challenges of working in the outdoors, particularly the wage disparities and financial challenges faced by women. She offers advice on how to gain experience, emphasising the importance of volunteering, shadowing, and observing others at work. Tori's own journey involved studying outdoor education, travelling, managing a climbing retreat in Spain, and joining a team of polar explorers going up to the North Pole. Through these experiences, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and skills, and now offers valuable insight into the opportunities available for those interested in pursuing a career in the outdoors. Tori is passionate about the outdoors and the benefits it offers, particularly for mental health. She also highlights the changing landscape of the industry, with governing bodies working to encourage women to work in the outdoors and provide support for them. *** Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences. Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure! Show notes Who is Tori Working with female clients Being athletic and loving team sports Studying at Exeter College Being a member of the Scouts Embarking on a career in the outdoors Teaching in a formal classroom setting The wage disparity between the outdoors and other industries Studying outdoor education and what it was like Starting out with very little knowledge Developing personal skills Needing to be to 18 to work in the outdoors Doing her Bachelor's degree (Geography and Outdoor Education) at Manchester Metropolitan University Is university worth it? How to connect with and contact employers Advice for getting experience Why a wide range of experience is essential Looking for volunteer opportunities Shadowing and observing others at work Don't go too niche too soon Going travelling to Europe after university Managing a climbing retreat in Spain Taking on a full time apprentice role in Yorkshire Joining a team of polar explorers going up to the North Pole Teaching polar explorers how to canoe on their sledges Loving paddlesports and climbing The opportunities available Leading overseas expeditions (After qualifying as a Mountain Leader (ML) and First Aider) Teaching on youth development programs Making the time for experiences outside and why it's important Benefits for your mental health The challenges of working in the outdoors Wages and money Costs of equipment and clothing Dealing with the miserable days The financial challenges of women working in the outdoors Women dropping off in the qualifications/award system in their late 20s Flexibility and wages and why it's even harder when you have children How the Industry has changed over the past 16/17 years The support from governing bodies to encourage women to work in the outdoors Dealing with knocks to her confidence Mountain Training and their 5 year plan (2021 - 2025) Gear for women that fits Running women only courses Concerns about dealings with periods How to connect with Tori Final words of advice Social Media Website: www.westcountryadventures.co.uk Instagram: @itsadogslife_climbing @westcountry_adventures